Mindfulness. It’s a pretty straightforward word. It suggests that the mind is fully attending to what’s happening, to what you’re doing, to the space you’re moving through. That might seem trivial, except for the annoying fact that we so often veer from the matter at hand. Our mind takes flight, we lose touch with our body, and pretty soon we’re engrossed in obsessive thoughts about something that just happened or fretting about the future. And that makes us anxious.

Mindfulness is the basic human ability to be fully present, aware of where we are and what we’re doing, and not overly reactive or overwhelmed by what’s going on around us.

The word mindfulness has become buzz-worthy for all the right reasons. Mindful people live life differently, and the benefits are catching significant attention. Which seems funny to me since mindfulness has been practiced for thousands of years in various ways, from religion to yoga, to broader ancient traditions.

You might be wondering, what exactly is mindfulness? Let me simplify it for you. Mindfulness is the practice of being present and aware of what you are doing, feeling, experiencing, and creating in this very moment. It involves awareness and focus without judgment. Moreover, it’s an awareness and focus without a sense or a state of sitting in judgment. I believe mindfulness is the second gateway to inner connection, with meditation being the first. It’s about living consciously and accepting life as it is, helping you learn when to slow down, release tension, and let life unfold naturally. Mindfulness requires both focused and organic thought, fostering positive thinking that guides you toward a more conscious way of living.

If you often find yourself on autopilot or reacting out of habit rather than thought, it’s time to make mindfulness a daily priority! If your emotions drive your actions, adopting a mindfulness practice could be incredibly beneficial. If you tend to limit yourself or shy away from engaging with the world, it’s time to get comfortable with mindfulness. Signs like engaging in negativity, denying your potential, struggling with emotional control, or thinking in extremes indicate that you may have drifted away from being present.

 Remember, mindfulness honors each moment—piece by piece and breath by breath. It’s a beautiful state of being that is always available to you and easy to access. When this practice becomes a habit, your life will flourish. It’s the key to becoming the person you’ve always dreamed of being. So, would mindfulness enrich your life? Let’s nod our heads together.